Star big man pledges return to Penn State in NBA Draft declaration

After one season in Happy Valley, Yanic Konan Niederhauser is looking to make his jump to the pros. But despite declaring for the NBA Draft on Wednesday, the ascendant Swiss big man vows to return to the Penn State basketball program if his early exit doesn’t pan out.

“After careful consideration, I’ve decided to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft,” Niederhauser wrote on Instagram. “In the meantime, I will maintain my college eligibility.

“In case I decide to withdraw from the draft, I will return to Penn State for my senior year. I’m excited to see what the future holds!”

Big news: Penn State 7-footer Yanic Konan Niederhauser will declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

However, if he withdraws, he will return to Penn State pic.twitter.com/U7bPA6K7Oe

— Max Ralph (@maxralph_) April 2, 2025

The deadline for early entry into this year’s draft is later this month, on April 26. Players will have until June 15 to withdraw their names, with the draft’s first round taking place 10 days later. Niederhauser could also go through the entire draft process and return to the Nittany Lions if he is invited to participate in the NBA Draft Combine and is ultimately not selected by a team.

The 7-0 Northern Illinois transfer became a rising star for Penn State basketball this winter. Second on the team with 12.9 points per game, Niederhauser averaged 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per contest.

If Niederhauser ultimately returns to Penn State, it would be a tremendous boost for Mike Rhoades and the Nittany Lions. In the weeks following a 16-15 season, the program lost three of its top true freshmen from the 2025 roster. The Nittany Lions also lose five seniors with expiring eligibility.

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